Ettedgui Synagogue, Casablanca
The Ettedgui Synagogue in Casablanca serves as a testament to the Jewish history of the region. Constructed in 1920 by the affluent Ettedgui family, it originally served a vibrant Jewish community. However, the synagogue faced a significant setback when it was accidentally bombed during the Allied invasion of Northern Africa in World War II. The rebuilding efforts, initiated in the 1980s, culminated in 2010, aligning with King Mohamed VI's broader initiative to rehabilitate the Old Medina of Casablanca under the Jewish Heritage program. This program aimed to preserve and restore Jewish synagogues and cemeteries, safeguarding the rich Jewish heritage of Morocco.
Today, the synagogue not only continues to host religious services but also features a museum. This museum houses a collection of photographs, paintings, and cultural objects that chronicle the Jewish community鈥檚 historical presence in Casablanca.
The political backdrop to the synagogue's history involves the reigns of King Hassan II and his son, King Mohamed VI. King Hassan II, often seen as an authoritarian, facilitated Operation Yachin, which significantly reduced the Jewish population in Casablanca by aiding their migration to Israel. Following his death in 1999, his son assumed the throne and implemented significant social reforms. These included a new constitution that reinforced the freedom of religion and acknowledged Judaism as an integral part of Morocco's heritage.
King Mohamed VI's efforts culminated in the synagogue's rededication in 2016, which he attended, underscoring his dedication to preserving Jewish history and ensuring the protection of Jews in Morocco. The Ettedgui Synagogue thus symbolizes not only a rich historical legacy but also the contemporary commitment to religious and cultural tolerance in Morocco.
Today, the synagogue not only continues to host religious services but also features a museum. This museum houses a collection of photographs, paintings, and cultural objects that chronicle the Jewish community鈥檚 historical presence in Casablanca.
The political backdrop to the synagogue's history involves the reigns of King Hassan II and his son, King Mohamed VI. King Hassan II, often seen as an authoritarian, facilitated Operation Yachin, which significantly reduced the Jewish population in Casablanca by aiding their migration to Israel. Following his death in 1999, his son assumed the throne and implemented significant social reforms. These included a new constitution that reinforced the freedom of religion and acknowledged Judaism as an integral part of Morocco's heritage.
King Mohamed VI's efforts culminated in the synagogue's rededication in 2016, which he attended, underscoring his dedication to preserving Jewish history and ensuring the protection of Jews in Morocco. The Ettedgui Synagogue thus symbolizes not only a rich historical legacy but also the contemporary commitment to religious and cultural tolerance in Morocco.
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Ettedgui Synagogue on Map
Sight Name: Ettedgui Synagogue
Sight Location: Casablanca, Morocco (See walking tours in Casablanca)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Casablanca, Morocco (See walking tours in Casablanca)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Casablanca, Morocco
Create Your Own Walk in Casablanca
Creating your own self-guided walk in Casablanca is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Casablanca Old Town Walking Tour
Although the Old Town (Medina) of Casablanca is not as ancient as that of the imperial cities like Fez or Marrakech, it is well worth seeing all the same. The historic heart of the city, rather modest in size 鈥� measuring some 50 hectares, is made up of three parts: the Medina proper; the Jewish quarter, or Mellah, with the Ettedgui Synagogue in it; and the popular quarter called Tnaker.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Casablanca Introduction Walking Tour
Leo Africanus, an Andalusi diplomat and travel writer of the 16th century, declared the Moroccan city of Casablanca to be the site of the ancient Berber city of Anfa, founded in 744 AD. Anfa was a city of the Berber kingdom of Barghawata. The independence of the kingdom ended in 1068 when it was conquered by the Arab Almoravids.
The Almoravid dynasty in turn was displaced by the Berber Merinids... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The Almoravid dynasty in turn was displaced by the Berber Merinids... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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